Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Project Hope: Jump Right In!!

If you are on instagram, tag your Project Hope pictures with #project_hope so that all of the pictures are in one feed and others can use it as reference.

These are some of the pictures that have been added so far.

{if you added a photo to the old hashtag, just add the new one and it will show up in the feed, we had to change it}

I've had so many emails from some amazing people who still want to donate to project hope and want to know how! Our list of needed items is starting to narrow but there is still quite a bit we need so I will get right to it! Stick with me because I have ton of thoughts and details jumbled in my head, and 2 cups of strong coffee surging through my veins. I'll try to focus on one thought at a time but no promises ;)

This is where we are with our goal of 100 boxes: {shout out to Kaylee for keeping this all organized for me!}

If your name is somewhere here on the list, that means you emailed us to let us know you were committing to donate these items {and some we have already recieved} If you aren't able to donate then please let us know.

As you can see, we are well beyond our goal on the Hope prints, but every one of the prints will still be used! This is not the last Project Hope we will have and the prints will be used in the upcoming projects.

The biggest needs are lovies, frames and hats/booties:

-Please know the hats/booties do not HAVE to be crochet. As long as they are small newborn size booties and/or hats, we can use them in the boxes.

-Many of the lovies have been found at HomeGoods/TJMaxx, so if you would like to scope yours out and donate one or two, we would love that! I believe you can get 1 at 6.99 or a pack of 2 for somewhere around 11$

-Also 4x6 frames: I found some at IKEA for under 5$ or Katy found some for 6$ for a pack of 4 at Target!

We have had 180$ donated toward the craft supplies and boxes, and 40$ for caskets.

If you would like to donate monetarily toward the supplies, we will send a print made specially for Project Hope from Lindsay at Pen and Paint, in memory of the baby. Here is the post explaining this, in case you missed

This print was hand drawn and designed by Lindsay and is even more beautiful in person. She also designed one that can be purchased through her shop {without the donation inscription on bottom} and 20% will go toward Project Hope.

I also have received some great ideas for other items to go into the boxes. One of my favorites is "Seeds of Hope" a small bag with seeds for a tree to be planted in memory of the baby. It will have a small note card attached explaining what the seeds are for. Don't you LOVE that idea? Honestly, I personally would have loved something like this. My sister and brother in law gave us a hydrangea plant when we lost Grace and it was THE most special thing I've ever owned. A tree would be that much more special. In fact in my dream world, I will have a cherry blossom tree in my backyard for my girls one day.

All that to say, if it's on your heart to donate something, please don't be limited to this list or to a certain number. We will take 1 of anything, or a 100. Every donation is valued equally in my heart.

This box was delivered to my front door yesterday. I had no idea what it was, so when I saw what it was, I was caught a little off guard. It's a wedding dress donated for the caskets of babies from families who can't afford one. Threads of Love also uses these to make burial gowns that go into the memory boxes as well. It made me think of the verse that the Lord has given me many times.

Isaiah 61

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,because the Lord has anointed meto proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God,to comfort all who mourn,

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beautyinstead of ashes, the oil of joyinstead of mourning, and a garment of praiseinstead of a spirit of despair.They will be called oaks of righteousness,a planting of the Lordfor the display of his splendor.

Beauty for ashes. I can't think of a more perfect example than something as special as someones wedding dress being used to help mend the broken heart of another, can you?

I'm overwhelmed with how good God is and how He uses His people to display His love and beauty. Thank you to each and every one who has wanted to give to this Project. It means more to me than I could say!

If you would like to donate to Project Hope, please do! Jump right in wherever you can. We can use you wherever you, whatever you can give.

Hi Laura, amazing project!!! Maybe a weird question, but I could not find more details on Project Hope as to what it is about.... Could you tell me in a nut shell? What do you do with all the donations? I also read your story and it made me peechless. How can someone handle all these losses and still find joy in life and the strength to make the best out of every moment?! You sound like an amazing person!